A tale of two penalties - one given and one denied - left Kidderminster Harriers manager Mark Yates bitterly disappointed that his side’s FA Cup dreams had been ended prematurely.

Yates believed that Harriers had a "blatant penalty" rejected by referee David Richardson when Andy White was flattened by Morecambe goalkeeper Steven Drench as he rounded the custodian on 19 minutes.

But the Shrimps benefited from the official’s judgment just before half-time when Harriers No 1 Scott Bevan sent Garry Thompson tumbling.

From the resulting spot-kick, Wayne Curtis fired home and the balance of a closely-fought first-round tie had been tipped decisively in the Lancastrians’ favour.

Yates said: "I thought the referee took the easy option in not awarding a penalty when Andy went down and it had a huge bearing on the game. I had no argument with the later award but I think they were similar challenges and if he’s given one, he had to give the other.

"Their goalkeeper fouled Andy in the first instance and I think Scott Bevan has made a reckless foul on their lad when he didn’t really need to."

The first goal proved crucial in a clash between the two Nationwide Conference rivals and Bevan had to show his quality after the break with a string of super saves, highlighted by an acrobatic tip-over from Adrian Rigoglioso’s ferocious 30-yard free kick.

However, the keeper was finally beaten with 17 minutes to go. Thompson again was the architect, escaping the defence and crossing for former Manchester United youngster Michael Twiss to slot in at the far post.

Harriers, though, were not finished and scored a consolation in the 89th minute. Jeff Kenna curled in a cross and Gavin Hurren volleyed home.